Faults:

The coil pack went.

The right side steering rack mounting bracket broke.

The transmission was rebuilt at 105,000 miles.

The left front fender rotted badly and had to be replaced.

The timing chain was replaced as a preventive measure.

People complain about power windows, the roll up windows in this car were a nightmare. The driver side window was the worst. The regulator was replaced twice and the window was still hard to crank up. I put in a handle from a Ford van because it was longer and gave me better leverage.

General Comments:

This was a great commuter car. It had great fuel economy and was pretty quick too. Comfort wasn't a strong point, but it's a Grand Am, not a Grand Marquis. I sold it to a friend who is still using it with no problems.

Faults:

This is the family loaner, so an array of things have gone wrong due to the fact that we keep passing the car around everyone in my family when it's needed.

However, the engine has not needed a rebuild and maintenance for this car has been largely neglected over the years, however, the darn thing keeps running every day like nothing.

Recently replaced motor mounts at 170000 miles. Also replaced parts in front end steering array. Minor leaks of tranny fluid and oil, but nothing else.

General Comments:

As I personally dislike GM for several reasons, this little car was perhaps the best one GM built in terms of maintenance costs and reliability.

I would recommend it to anyone as a first car (it's pretty solid and safe).

Makes a great economy sports car, hellishly fast too.